TEXAS VET NEWS By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network

Sheep are pregnant approximately 146 days and goats about 150 days.  Diagnosis of pregnancy can be performed with ultrasound at 45 to 90 days by using an external probe in the right flank.  A urinary estrone sulfate test is also very accurate after 50 days for pregnancy diagnosis.  It is important to determine if goats are truly pregnant as false pregnancy is common.  Dystocia is the term used to describe a difficult birth and this can be common in sheep and goats.  The goal when attempting to aid in delivery is to be clean, gentle, and use lots of lubricant.  It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your self from diseases. 

Dr. Mary Smith from Cornell recommends using the 30-30-30 rule.  After the afterbirth or the fetus is first seen, wait 30 minutes and then check to make sure the head of the fetus and at least one leg is in the canal, or both back legs if the fetus is backward.  If no progress has been made in another 30 minutes, call your vet.  If one fetus has been born but you expect another, wait another 30 minutes before becoming concerned. 

Dr. Smith recommends clip, dip, strip, and sip for the new born babies.  The clip means to cut the umbilical cord if it is longer than 1 inch and dip it into chlorhexidine solution.  Although strong iodine can be used, it burns the tissue and I do not recommend it.  The strip means to open up the teats so the baby will be able to nurse easier, and the sip means to make sure the baby receives plenty of first milk for antibodies.  So keep in mind the 30-30-30 rule for sheep and goats in labor and clip, dip, strip, and sip after the baby is born.  Hopefully, you’ll have more live healthy babies with these rules in mind.         

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Date Published: 8/15/2005 11:47:00 AM